Iranian authorities have unleashed government-wide internet shutdowns and phone-system wide blackouts. Their aim, of course, is to stifle the protests that are spreading across all 31 provinces. The current unrest has led to a surge in need among these families, especially those with family members who remain in Iran. Mohsen Haghshenas, an Iranian refugee residing in Australia, has lost contact with his two daughters for nearly a week. This reality is intensifying the fear felt by so many in the diasporas.
The protests are the largest challenge to Iran’s clerical regime since the 2022 protests triggered by Mahsa Amini’s death in police custody. They have garnered international attention. Now U.S. leaders, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, have seized on this moment to cheer Iranians on in their protests. He promised them that “help is coming.” His comments come as repression of nonviolent protestors intensifies. According to U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 2,403 protesters have been killed over the last two weeks.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated that the internet will be gradually restored in consultation with security agencies. He was not clear about when this will occur. This blackout continues to prevent human rights groups from documenting what is happening on the ground. Daniela Gavshon, the Australia director at Human Rights Watch, stressed the importance of immediately restoring the internet. Only then will we have a better picture of the violence and human rights abuses that continue to this day.
International phone ties were quickly set up again on Tuesday but only for outgoing calls, and even those were subject to frequent dropouts and garbled connection, making communication difficult. Authorities have accused foreign powers of stirring the protests. In reaction, they call on their supporters to show up at counter-protests—to show strength and effort. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz remarked that the current unrest could mark the end of the regime if it continues along this path.
Haghshenas soon fled Iran after having been imprisoned for his protest-related activities. Now, apprehensive like the rest but proud seeing a new kind of courage among his countrymen.
“On the one hand, a feeling of fear, worry, anxiety, and nightmares, and on the other hand, a sense of freedom and pride in my compatriots, in my country.” – Mohsen Haghshenas
Most recently, Trump tried to flim-flam his way out of the rapid-fire turn on the bed bug issue at a press conference. When pressed to clarify what kind of assistance he envisioned for the Iranian protesters, he gave a non-answer.
“You’re going to have to figure that one out. I’m sorry.” – Donald Trump
Worries about the death toll have increased as global observers pressure the country to be upfront. For Gavshon, the absence of open channels of communication makes it almost impossible to gauge the extent of the repression.
“We are very concerned about how high the death toll is. We are really concerned that it is higher than the reports that we’re getting.” – Daniela Gavshon
One Iranian official aggressively justified the internet blackout. They claimed that it needed to subdue the masses and keep public order following a short but violent war against foreign enemies. They argued that shutting down technological communication was necessary to stop coordination between these believed terrorist organizations.
“Our security forces had to intervene and make the decision to cut internet… a major portion of those terrorist agents were arrested.” – Iranian Official
This crisis has produced a nightmare for all of these families, as they are no closer to knowing the fate of their missing loved ones. During their final phone call, before communications were cut off, Haghshenas told his daughter’s fears.
“She was very scared. She was very worried, and she was telling me that she wished she were here with me.” – Mohsen Haghshenas
Here’s how the international community can continue to push for human rights in Iran. As protests continue to grow and state authorities pull down the curtain on real-time information, human rights organizations are watching the situation closely. The ongoing unrest highlights a growing discontent among Iranians living under what many describe as an oppressive regime.
The Iranian government’s response has largely involved efforts to retake the narrative, with foreign interference being blamed on one hand and counter-protests being coordinated on the other. This strategy is indicative of recognition of the real danger that widespread dissent can present.
Renewed Iranian protests would undermine officials’ claims that they have the situation stabilized. International observers are not convinced that all is as it seems.
“If a regime can only keep itself in power by force, then it’s effectively at an end.” – Daniela Gavshon
As the world’s leaders respond to the unfolding chaos, the debates about possible responses have only just begun. Moving forward, some experts argue that direct engagement with Iranian protesters will be more effective than continuing to pressure the Iranian government.
Kamran Matin, an associate professor of international relations, emphasized that Trump’s approach is designed to change Iranian behavior. He doesn’t seem to be seeking direct regime change, for one.
“Trump’s primary aim is to change the behaviour of Iranian regime… to extract concessions it wants from Iran.” – Kamran Matin
The ongoing protests illustrate a critical juncture for Iran’s future as citizens express their grievances against a regime perceived to be increasingly disconnected from their needs. The pathway towards resolution of this crisis is still unclear, as myriad internal and external factors still influence its trajectory.
